It's nearly 46 days left before Donald Trump leaves office and his administration has finally made good on months of threats to punish the Turkish government.

The United States has finally imposed sanctions on Turkey. The official answer is that Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system.

Turkey is a NATO member and this defence collaboration is unacceptable to America but like always there is more to the story.

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife arrived in Turkey on November 16 for a brief visit. The purpose of this visit is not revealed and no official meetings have taken place. Pompeo has not made any official statement either.

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The tensions are evident and the unusual nature of his visit raises eyebrows.

Mr. State Secretary does not say a word and he leaves for Washington without meeting any Turkish official. Its been nearly a month since this fraught visit and the US State Department has taken one of its biggest steps in recent history vis a vis Ankara.

It has approved rare sanctions against Turkey focused on the country's military procurement agency. With this decision, the US has banned all export licenses and loan credits to Turkey's Presidency of defence industries and its head Ismail Demir.

The sanctions have been approved under a 2017 law known as CAATSA (countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). This act has been haunting Turkish-US relations for the last three years. It is now set to erode whatever little was left of the bilateral ties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-350027">WATCH|</a>

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The Turkish President is mighty upset. "It is upsetting that the sanctions rhetoric against our country in the united states and the European Union has increased and the processes have mobilised. In fact, turkey expects the EU not to sanction it, but rather realise its promise of full membership that it has not done so for years," said Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 
&nbsp; 
The Russian foreign minister is calling it American arrogance. "As far as us sanctions against turkey are concerned…it's yet more evidence of the arrogant attitude (of US) toward international law, and a manifestation of the illegitimate," said Sergey Lavrov.

Unilateral and coercive measures that the US has practised for many decades now all over the world.

In 2019, Turkey — one of America's NATO allies — took delivery of the 2.5 billion dollar S-400 missile system from Russia. It defied warnings that such a deal was incompatible with NATO policies and it defied requests that the deal would let Russia improve its targeting of western planes.

Erdogan declared that Turkey was not a tribal state. "We took steps, we paid, but you did not give us our f35s, and you won't give them. And you have threatened us. You told us to send the S-400s back to Russia. But we are not a tribal state, we are turkey. Turkey!," he said.

He has now changed his tone. Erdogan says he expects America to support its purchase for the prosperity of the region. "From our NATO ally the United States, we expect to support in our battle against terrorist organisations and forces that have plans for our region, not sanctions. We are never a country that chases after conflict or tensions with its neighbours or any other. We are fighting for the prosperity of our entire region and the world."

Trump once declared himself a "big fan" of Erdogan but a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then and acrimonious letters exchanged.

Like this one, where Trump tells Erdogan to not be a fool and that he doesn't want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy.

It's nearly 46 days left before Donald Trump leaves office and his administration has finally made good on months of threats to punish the Turkish government. The United States has finally imposed sanctions on Turkey.

It's nearly 46 days left before Donald Trump leaves office and his administration has finally made good on months of threats to punish the Turkish government. The United States has finally imposed sanctions on Turkey. The official answer is that Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system. Turkey is a NATO member and this defence collaboration is unacceptable to America but like always there is more to the story. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife arrived in Turkey on November 16 for a brief visit. The purpose of this visit is not revealed and no official meetings have taken place. Pompeo has not made any official statement either. × The tensions are evident and the unusual nature of his visit raises eyebrows. Mr. State Secretary does not say a word and he leaves for Washington without meeting any Turkish official. Its been nearly a month since this fraught visit and the US State Department has taken one of its biggest steps in recent history vis a vis Ankara. It has approved rare sanctions against Turkey focused on the country's military procurement agency. With this decision, the US has banned all export licenses and loan credits to Turkey's Presidency of defence industries and its head Ismail Demir. The sanctions have been approved under a 2017 law known as CAATSA (countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). This act has been haunting Turkish-US relations for the last three years. It is now set to erode whatever little was left of the bilateral ties. WATCH| × The Turkish President is mighty upset. "It is upsetting that the sanctions rhetoric against our country in the united states and the European Union has increased and the processes have mobilised. In fact, turkey expects the EU not to sanction it, but rather realise its promise of full membership that it has not done so for years," said Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Russian foreign minister is calling it American arrogance. "As far as us sanctions against turkey are concerned…it's yet more evidence of the arrogant attitude (of US) toward international law, and a manifestation of the illegitimate," said Sergey Lavrov. Unilateral and coercive measures that the US has practised for many decades now all over the world. In 2019, Turkey — one of America's NATO allies — took delivery of the 2.5 billion dollar S-400 missile system from Russia. It defied warnings that such a deal was incompatible with NATO policies and it defied requests that the deal would let Russia improve its targeting of western planes. Erdogan declared that Turkey was not a tribal state. "We took steps, we paid, but you did not give us our f35s, and you won't give them. And you have threatened us. You told us to send the S-400s back to Russia. But we are not a tribal state, we are turkey. Turkey!," he said. He has now changed his tone. Erdogan says he expects America to support its purchase for the prosperity of the region. "From our NATO ally the United States, we expect to support in our battle against terrorist organisations and forces that have plans for our region, not sanctions. We are never a country that chases after conflict or tensions with its neighbours or any other. We are fighting for the prosperity of our entire region and the world." Trump once declared himself a "big fan" of Erdogan but a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then and acrimonious letters exchanged. Like this one, where Trump tells Erdogan to not be a fool and that he doesn't want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy.

US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missiles

United States has imposed sanctions on Turkey on Monday over its purchase of S-400 Russian missile defence system. The outgoing Trump administration implemented penalties against the NATO ally over its 2019 purchase.

U.S. imposes sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian missile defence system

Two Greek citizens have been arrested and will be facing charges for espionage for working against Turkey on the southeastern island of Rhodes.

Out of the two suspects, one of them had been operating from a ferry from the&nbsp;Rhodes to the Greek island of Kastellorizo, just off the Turkish coast, and the second was reportedly employed at the Turkish consulate in Rhodes.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

The two were arrested after a secret investigation that was "conducted in close cooperation with the Greek National Intelligence Service, EYP," the Greek police said in a statement.

As of now, it has been alleged that the first suspect, who was working on a ferry, was responsible for reporting the position of the Greek Navy ships and providing all other relevant and secret information about the Greek forces to the other suspect who was stationed on the islands.

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While the charges have not been proven yet, the two are being believed to have spied on Turkey consciously. Further involvements of international groups or governments has not been established yet.

The matter has also gained attention as the island of&nbsp;Kastellorizo, which is 1.2 miles off the Turkish coast, is situated in disputed waters which has been a reason of escalation of tensions between Greece and Turkey for the past few years.

Two Greek citizens have been arrested and will be facing charges for espionage for working against Turkey on the southeastern island of Rhodes. Out of the two suspects, one of them had been operating from a ferry from the Rhodes to the Greek island of Kastellorizo, just off the Turkish coast, and the second was reportedly employed at the Turkish consulate in Rhodes.

Two Greek citizens have been arrested and will be facing charges for espionage for working against Turkey on the southeastern island of Rhodes. Out of the two suspects, one of them had been operating from a ferry from the Rhodes to the Greek island of Kastellorizo, just off the Turkish coast, and the second was reportedly employed at the Turkish consulate in Rhodes. Also read| Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea The two were arrested after a secret investigation that was "conducted in close cooperation with the Greek National Intelligence Service, EYP," the Greek police said in a statement. As of now, it has been alleged that the first suspect, who was working on a ferry, was responsible for reporting the position of the Greek Navy ships and providing all other relevant and secret information about the Greek forces to the other suspect who was stationed on the islands. × While the charges have not been proven yet, the two are being believed to have spied on Turkey consciously. Further involvements of international groups or governments has not been established yet. The matter has also gained attention as the island of Kastellorizo, which is 1.2 miles off the Turkish coast, is situated in disputed waters which has been a reason of escalation of tensions between Greece and Turkey for the past few years.

Greek citizens charged for spying on Turkey

Being ambitious is good, but unchecked ambition can invite trouble. And so is the position of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan whose ambitions have put his country in trouble.&nbsp;

Erdogan wanted to be a caliph, unseat Saudi Arabia's position and befriend both arch-rivals US and Russia. He also wanted Turkey to lead the European Union.&nbsp;

However, Erdogan has single-handedly upset the entire world and put his country into an uncertain and isolated future.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-impose-sanctions-on-turkey-over-russian-s-400-defense-system-349164">US to impose sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 defense system</a>

The list of Erdogan's misdeeds is only growing ever since he came to power.&nbsp;

"We have unanimously observed that Turkey has continued with its provocations," said French President Emmanuel Macron. &nbsp;

The EU is not pleased with Ankara and is pressing sanctions.&nbsp;

Erdogan has sent a gas exploration ship to waters claimed by Greece and Cyprus and also angered France by his actions.&nbsp;

He has called Macron a "burden on France" and also questioned his mental health. This is because Macron spoke against radical Islamists.&nbsp;

Erdogan intends to lead the Muslim world but his actions have offended other Muslim nations.&nbsp;

He is already on the wrong side of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and in 2019 joined then Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad for an Islamic conference.&nbsp;

Iran too was a part of this conference. But, Erdogan found a way to upset Tehran too.&nbsp;

He recited a politically incorrect poem during his visit to Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

Turkey's role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has also not gone down well with Russia.&nbsp;

Russia and Turkey were at the opposing ends of the conflict and when Kremlin managed to get Baku and Yerevan sign a peace deal, Erdogan landed in Azerbaijan to fan the flames again.&nbsp;

"My dear brother (Azerbaijan president) Ilham Aliyev had some advice for the French. What did he say? 'If they love Armenians so much, then they should give Marseilles to the Armenians," said Erdogan. &nbsp;

It is said enemy's enemy is your friend and in Erdogan's case, Russia's rival US is slapping sanctions on Turkey.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The US is upset with Erdogan for purchasing S-400 missile defence systems from Russia.&nbsp;

Erdogan has managed to incite India too by calling Kashmir a "burning issue".

So let's take a look at Ankara's friends now.

The EU is angry and so is France, India, the US, Russia and the Arab world.

Apparently, the world is one on the side and Turkey on another.&nbsp;

Being ambitious is good, but unchecked ambition can invite trouble. And so is the position of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan whose ambitions have put his country in trouble.

Being ambitious is good, but unchecked ambition can invite trouble. And so is the position of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan whose ambitions have put his country in trouble. Erdogan wanted to be a caliph, unseat Saudi Arabia's position and befriend both arch-rivals US and Russia. He also wanted Turkey to lead the European Union. However, Erdogan has single-handedly upset the entire world and put his country into an uncertain and isolated future. Also read | US to impose sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 defense system The list of Erdogan's misdeeds is only growing ever since he came to power. "We have unanimously observed that Turkey has continued with its provocations," said French President Emmanuel Macron. The EU is not pleased with Ankara and is pressing sanctions. Erdogan has sent a gas exploration ship to waters claimed by Greece and Cyprus and also angered France by his actions. He has called Macron a "burden on France" and also questioned his mental health. This is because Macron spoke against radical Islamists. Erdogan intends to lead the Muslim world but his actions have offended other Muslim nations. He is already on the wrong side of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and in 2019 joined then Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad for an Islamic conference. Iran too was a part of this conference. But, Erdogan found a way to upset Tehran too. He recited a politically incorrect poem during his visit to Azerbaijan. Turkey's role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has also not gone down well with Russia. Russia and Turkey were at the opposing ends of the conflict and when Kremlin managed to get Baku and Yerevan sign a peace deal, Erdogan landed in Azerbaijan to fan the flames again. "My dear brother (Azerbaijan president) Ilham Aliyev had some advice for the French. What did he say? 'If they love Armenians so much, then they should give Marseilles to the Armenians," said Erdogan. It is said enemy's enemy is your friend and in Erdogan's case, Russia's rival US is slapping sanctions on Turkey. The US is upset with Erdogan for purchasing S-400 missile defence systems from Russia. Erdogan has managed to incite India too by calling Kashmir a "burning issue". So let's take a look at Ankara's friends now. The EU is angry and so is France, India, the US, Russia and the Arab world. Apparently, the world is one on the side and Turkey on another.

EU, US...the list goes on: Erdogan's ambitions has put Turkey in a corner

Turkey condemned Iran's "offensive language" aimed at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over a controversial poem that can possibly be taken to suggest Iran's northwestern provinces belong to Azerbaijan. Erdogan recited the poem when he was in Azerbaijan capital Baku for parade marking its victory over Armenia in connection with disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Iran said that the poem could fan separatism among Iran's Azeri minority.

"We condemn the use of offensive language towards our president and our country over the recitation of a poem, whose meaning has been deliberately taken out of context," said Fahrettin Altun, Turkish presidential communications director.&nbsp;

After Erdogan's recital of the poem in Baku earlier this week, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that "President Erdogan was not informed that what he ill-recited in Baku refers to the forcible separation of areas north of Aras from Iranian motherland".

According to Iran's ISNA news agency, the poem is "one of the separatist symbols of pan-Turkism". 
ISNA said the verses point to Aras and "complains of the distance between Azeri-speaking people on the two sides of the river".

Iranian authorities summoned Turkey's ambassador to Tehran to complain about Erdogan's "interventionist and unacceptable remarks".

In return, Turkey summoned Iran's ambassador to Ankara over the "baseless" claims.&nbsp;

(With IANS inputs)

Turkey condemned Iran's "offensive language" aimed at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over a controversial poem that can possibly be taken to suggest Iran's northwestern provinces belong to Azerbaijan.

Turkey condemned Iran's "offensive language" aimed at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over a controversial poem that can possibly be taken to suggest Iran's northwestern provinces belong to Azerbaijan. Erdogan recited the poem when he was in Azerbaijan capital Baku for parade marking its victory over Armenia in connection with disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Iran said that the poem could fan separatism among Iran's Azeri minority. "We condemn the use of offensive language towards our president and our country over the recitation of a poem, whose meaning has been deliberately taken out of context," said Fahrettin Altun, Turkish presidential communications director. After Erdogan's recital of the poem in Baku earlier this week, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that "President Erdogan was not informed that what he ill-recited in Baku refers to the forcible separation of areas north of Aras from Iranian motherland". According to Iran's ISNA news agency, the poem is "one of the separatist symbols of pan-Turkism". ISNA said the verses point to Aras and "complains of the distance between Azeri-speaking people on the two sides of the river". Iranian authorities summoned Turkey's ambassador to Tehran to complain about Erdogan's "interventionist and unacceptable remarks". In return, Turkey summoned Iran's ambassador to Ankara over the "baseless" claims. (With IANS inputs)

Turkey protests Iran's 'offensive language' against Erdogan

Turkey is paying the price of Erdogan's ambition. The EU and The US are slapping sanctions on Turkey. Ankara is also losing friends left, right, and centre. Turkey's President has managed to upset the whole world.

Gravitas: Double trouble for Erdogan

Leaders of European Union on Friday decided to draw up a list of Turkish targets to impose sanctions. These sanctions are in response to Turkey's activities of prospecting for gas in Greek and Cypriot waters.

"The council adopted sanctions in the face of Turkey's 'unilateral actions and provocations'," French minister for European affairs Clement Beaune tweeted, citing the conclusions agreed by the bloc's 27 leaders.

AFP quoted a diplomat who said that the sanctions would target individuals and that further measures could be imposed "if Turkey pursues its actions"

EU leaders did not agree to seek an arms embargo. They did not also seek to target entire sector of Turkey's economy.

But the conclusions, released by a European Council spokesman, called for a list to be drawn up of targets for "restrictive measures".

The leaders mandated chief EU diplomat Josep Borrell to prepare a report on more measures that could be taken to "expand the scope" of the action, to be submitted by next March.

"The idea is to turn the vice progressively," a diplomat said.&nbsp;

"Turkey has engaged in unilateral actions and provocations and escalated its rhetoric against the EU, EU Member States and European leaders," the leaders said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-sanction-turkey-over-russian-defence-system-348947">US set to sanction Turkey over Russian defence system</a>

"Turkish unilateral and provocative activities in the Eastern Mediterranean are still taking place, including in Cyprus's exclusive economic zone."

On the eve of the EU summit, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed the sanctions threat.

"Turkey does not care much about any sanctions decision to be made by the EU," he said.&nbsp;

"The EU has never treated us honestly. The EU has never stood by any promise it has given us but we always remained patient and we are still patient."

Greece, with French backing, has led the charge for tougher EU action against Turkey, which has repeatedly sent a gas drilling vessel into disputed waters.

(With AFP inputs)

Leaders of European Union on Friday decided to draw up a list of Turkish targets to impose sanctions. These sanctions are in response to Turkey's activities of prospecting for gas in Greek and Cypriot waters.

Leaders of European Union on Friday decided to draw up a list of Turkish targets to impose sanctions. These sanctions are in response to Turkey's activities of prospecting for gas in Greek and Cypriot waters. "The council adopted sanctions in the face of Turkey's 'unilateral actions and provocations'," French minister for European affairs Clement Beaune tweeted, citing the conclusions agreed by the bloc's 27 leaders. AFP quoted a diplomat who said that the sanctions would target individuals and that further measures could be imposed "if Turkey pursues its actions" EU leaders did not agree to seek an arms embargo. They did not also seek to target entire sector of Turkey's economy. But the conclusions, released by a European Council spokesman, called for a list to be drawn up of targets for "restrictive measures". The leaders mandated chief EU diplomat Josep Borrell to prepare a report on more measures that could be taken to "expand the scope" of the action, to be submitted by next March. "The idea is to turn the vice progressively," a diplomat said. "Turkey has engaged in unilateral actions and provocations and escalated its rhetoric against the EU, EU Member States and European leaders," the leaders said. Also Read | US set to sanction Turkey over Russian defence system "Turkish unilateral and provocative activities in the Eastern Mediterranean are still taking place, including in Cyprus's exclusive economic zone." On the eve of the EU summit, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed the sanctions threat. "Turkey does not care much about any sanctions decision to be made by the EU," he said. "The EU has never treated us honestly. The EU has never stood by any promise it has given us but we always remained patient and we are still patient." Greece, with French backing, has led the charge for tougher EU action against Turkey, which has repeatedly sent a gas drilling vessel into disputed waters. (With AFP inputs)

European Union plans to impose more sanctions on Turkey

Despite a month after the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan was signed, the crisis is far from over.&nbsp;

In the latest, Yerevan has accused Baku of using phosphorous bombs during the fight.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Azeri president, on the other hand, has said that the country will not shy of "breaking Armenia's back with an iron fist".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijans-struggle-will-continue-on-many-other-fronts-says-erdogan-during-military-parade-348859">Azerbaijan's struggle will continue on many other fronts, says Erdogan during military parade</a>

And amid the tense ties, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who fuelled this week war, has landed in Baku to survey the reins.&nbsp;

Erdogan received a hero's welcome on his two-day visit to Azerbaijan&nbsp;

He even reviewed a parade where Baku displayed the destroyed Armenian vehicles and dished out hate in plenty.&nbsp;

To the unversed, Erdogan provided military and diplomatic support to Azerbaijan during the conflict and even praised Baku's operations.&nbsp;

He even cheered "brotherly Azerbaijan with all our means and all our hearts".&nbsp;

"If the people of Armenia learn their lessons from what happened in Karabakh, this will be the start of a new era in the region," said Erdogan.&nbsp;

Karabakh is internationally recognised as a territory of Azerbaijan but until recently, it was populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

According to the peace deal brokered by Russia, broad strips of Nagorno Karabakh territory were handed over to Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

It also pushed Armenia into an internal political mess as thousands are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan

Even though troops in Baku are celebrating their victory, over 5,000 military personnel died in six weeks of fighting and all this because one man couldn't keep himself from adding fuel to the fire.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Despite a month after the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan was signed, the crisis is far from over. In the latest, Yerevan has accused Baku of using phosphorous bombs during the fight.

Despite a month after the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan was signed, the crisis is far from over. In the latest, Yerevan has accused Baku of using phosphorous bombs during the fight. Watch | Azeri president, on the other hand, has said that the country will not shy of "breaking Armenia's back with an iron fist". Also read | Azerbaijan's struggle will continue on many other fronts, says Erdogan during military parade And amid the tense ties, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who fuelled this week war, has landed in Baku to survey the reins. Erdogan received a hero's welcome on his two-day visit to Azerbaijan He even reviewed a parade where Baku displayed the destroyed Armenian vehicles and dished out hate in plenty. To the unversed, Erdogan provided military and diplomatic support to Azerbaijan during the conflict and even praised Baku's operations. He even cheered "brotherly Azerbaijan with all our means and all our hearts". "If the people of Armenia learn their lessons from what happened in Karabakh, this will be the start of a new era in the region," said Erdogan. Karabakh is internationally recognised as a territory of Azerbaijan but until recently, it was populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians. According to the peace deal brokered by Russia, broad strips of Nagorno Karabakh territory were handed over to Azerbaijan. It also pushed Armenia into an internal political mess as thousands are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Even though troops in Baku are celebrating their victory, over 5,000 military personnel died in six weeks of fighting and all this because one man couldn't keep himself from adding fuel to the fire.

Erdogan, who fuelled Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict arrives in Baku

European Union leaders decided to draw up a list of Turkish target to impose the sanctions on Friday. These sanctions are in response to Turkey's activities of prospecting for gas in Greek and Cypriot waters.

European Union set to impose sanctions on Turkey

WASHINGTON — No longer restrained by President Donald Trump’s affection for Turkey’s authoritarian leader, U.S. officials and Congress are using the waning days of his presidency to ready sanctions and strike a strident tone against the strategic but unreliable ally.

Turkey, a member of NATO, has vexed the administration almost since its start. That has been as much Trump’s doing — and his admiration for its president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan — as that of actions by the government in Ankara, which has abused human rights, imprisoned Americans and journalists, and muscled into confrontations from Syria to Libya to the Caucasus to the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Watch |&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The redirection of U.S. policy also will require President-elect Joe Biden to carefully bring Turkey back into the West’s embrace and keep from pushing it closer to Russia.

“For years, President Trump has personally shielded Erdogan and Turkey,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. He said the incoming Biden administration “will be an important check on Erdogan’s efforts to expand his influence at our expense, in a way that undermines our interests.”

“It’s a little bit of a crossroads for Erdogan,” Van Hollen said in a recent interview. “He’s going to have to make a decision — is he going to be the faithful NATO ally, or is he going to go it alone in the region?”

Congress is poised this week to approve economic sanctions against Turkey for buying Russian missile defense systems early in Trump’s term, potentially exposing NATO military technology to Moscow. Trump stalled the sanctions last year, after the defense systems were delivered to Turkey.

For the first time, and after Ankara tested the system this fall, White House officials have informed Turkish diplomats that the Trump administration will not oppose the congressional sanctions, according to two people involved in the discussions.

Instead, they said, the sanctions are meant in part to warn Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia and other nations that have signaled interest in purchasing Russian military equipment.

At a meeting of foreign ministers from NATO nations last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Turkey on several fronts, according to a person briefed on his comments. His statements — against Turkey’s defense purchases, its exploration of natural gas in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and its support of foreign forces in external conflicts such as Libya — showed that Pompeo had wearied of trying to temper rising tensions among European allies and American lawmakers.

“We are concerned about some of the Turkish behavior,” Kay Bailey Hutchison, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, told reporters ahead of the foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. “The idea that you could put a Russian-made missile defense system in the middle of our alliance is out of bounds.”

The European Union is weighing its own sanctions against Turkey as retaliation for separate disputes with Greece, Cyprus and Germany in a decision that could come as soon as Thursday, according to a European diplomat in Washington.

Taken together, Turkey is feeling increasingly isolated, according to a senior official in its government.

Last month’s basing of a U.S. Navy expeditionary ship at Souda Bay, off the Greek coast, signaled that Turkey was no longer the key U.S. ally in the Eastern Mediterranean, the senior official said.

The Abraham accords brokered this fall by the Trump administration — fostering normalized relationships among Israel and three Arab states, Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates — harnessed Middle Eastern countries that are hostile to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Islamist movement is supported by Erdogan.

The senior Turkish official also described feeling snubbed by Pompeo’s visits this fall to rivals in Cyprus and Greece and then his tour of Istanbul with his wife in November instead of going to Ankara to meet with government leaders.

The expected sanctions are sure to hammer Turkey’s already strained economy and may force Erdogan to pull back from most of his military missions abroad. (One exception would be in neighboring Syria, where Turkey is battling Islamic State militants and American-backed Kurdish fighters; Erdogan considers both of the groups to be terrorists and is unlikely to retreat.)

Experts warn that this could push Turkey into Russia’s arms if Biden is not careful.

“Relations with Turkey will be a major, urgent question for the Biden administration,” said James F. Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Iraq who retired last month as the State Department’s special envoy for Syria policy and the coalition to defeat the Islamic State.

“Given the country’s size, location, economic and military power, and the pro-Western sentiments of the population — if not its president — does it make sense to sideline Turkey or push it into the Russian camp?” Jeffrey said.

He noted that Turkey and Russia have been on opposite sides in ongoing conflicts in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. It also remains a critical NATO ally in Iraq and Afghanistan, and opposes Iran’s regional advances.

The senior Turkish official described Erdogan’s interests as ultimately having more in common with the West than with Russia. But, he said, how the Biden administration approaches the dispute over the missile defense systems will be a first test.

It is far from certain a compromise can be struck. But the Turkish official said Biden’s advisers have indicated in low-level discussions they were open to considering compromises as they are proposed, including convening a NATO working group to look at whether Russia could indeed penetrate Western military systems through the missile defense systems.

A spokesman for Biden’s transition team declined to comment.

The senior Turkish official also said that Biden’s advisers have made clear they will engage with Turkey through traditional and technical diplomatic channels — and not rely on the kind of spontaneous and direct lines of communication that marked the relationship between Trump and Erdogan.

That was welcome news to the Turks, the senior official said.

WASHINGTON — No longer restrained by President Donald Trump’s affection for Turkey’s authoritarian leader, U.S. officials and Congress are using the waning days of his presidency to ready sanctions and strike a strident tone against the strategic but unreliable ally.

WASHINGTON — No longer restrained by President Donald Trump’s affection for Turkey’s authoritarian leader, U.S. officials and Congress are using the waning days of his presidency to ready sanctions and strike a strident tone against the strategic but unreliable ally. Turkey, a member of NATO, has vexed the administration almost since its start. That has been as much Trump’s doing — and his admiration for its president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan — as that of actions by the government in Ankara, which has abused human rights, imprisoned Americans and journalists, and muscled into confrontations from Syria to Libya to the Caucasus to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Watch | The redirection of U.S. policy also will require President-elect Joe Biden to carefully bring Turkey back into the West’s embrace and keep from pushing it closer to Russia. “For years, President Trump has personally shielded Erdogan and Turkey,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. He said the incoming Biden administration “will be an important check on Erdogan’s efforts to expand his influence at our expense, in a way that undermines our interests.” “It’s a little bit of a crossroads for Erdogan,” Van Hollen said in a recent interview. “He’s going to have to make a decision — is he going to be the faithful NATO ally, or is he going to go it alone in the region?” Congress is poised this week to approve economic sanctions against Turkey for buying Russian missile defense systems early in Trump’s term, potentially exposing NATO military technology to Moscow. Trump stalled the sanctions last year, after the defense systems were delivered to Turkey. For the first time, and after Ankara tested the system this fall, White House officials have informed Turkish diplomats that the Trump administration will not oppose the congressional sanctions, according to two people involved in the discussions. Instead, they said, the sanctions are meant in part to warn Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia and other nations that have signaled interest in purchasing Russian military equipment. At a meeting of foreign ministers from NATO nations last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Turkey on several fronts, according to a person briefed on his comments. His statements — against Turkey’s defense purchases, its exploration of natural gas in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and its support of foreign forces in external conflicts such as Libya — showed that Pompeo had wearied of trying to temper rising tensions among European allies and American lawmakers. “We are concerned about some of the Turkish behavior,” Kay Bailey Hutchison, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, told reporters ahead of the foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. “The idea that you could put a Russian-made missile defense system in the middle of our alliance is out of bounds.” The European Union is weighing its own sanctions against Turkey as retaliation for separate disputes with Greece, Cyprus and Germany in a decision that could come as soon as Thursday, according to a European diplomat in Washington. Taken together, Turkey is feeling increasingly isolated, according to a senior official in its government. Last month’s basing of a U.S. Navy expeditionary ship at Souda Bay, off the Greek coast, signaled that Turkey was no longer the key U.S. ally in the Eastern Mediterranean, the senior official said. The Abraham accords brokered this fall by the Trump administration — fostering normalized relationships among Israel and three Arab states, Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates — harnessed Middle Eastern countries that are hostile to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Islamist movement is supported by Erdogan. The senior Turkish official also described feeling snubbed by Pompeo’s visits this fall to rivals in Cyprus and Greece and then his tour of Istanbul with his wife in November instead of going to Ankara to meet with government leaders. The expected sanctions are sure to hammer Turkey’s already strained economy and may force Erdogan to pull back from most of his military missions abroad. (One exception would be in neighboring Syria, where Turkey is battling Islamic State militants and American-backed Kurdish fighters; Erdogan considers both of the groups to be terrorists and is unlikely to retreat.) Experts warn that this could push Turkey into Russia’s arms if Biden is not careful. “Relations with Turkey will be a major, urgent question for the Biden administration,” said James F. Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Iraq who retired last month as the State Department’s special envoy for Syria policy and the coalition to defeat the Islamic State. “Given the country’s size, location, economic and military power, and the pro-Western sentiments of the population — if not its president — does it make sense to sideline Turkey or push it into the Russian camp?” Jeffrey said. He noted that Turkey and Russia have been on opposite sides in ongoing conflicts in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. It also remains a critical NATO ally in Iraq and Afghanistan, and opposes Iran’s regional advances. The senior Turkish official described Erdogan’s interests as ultimately having more in common with the West than with Russia. But, he said, how the Biden administration approaches the dispute over the missile defense systems will be a first test. It is far from certain a compromise can be struck. But the Turkish official said Biden’s advisers have indicated in low-level discussions they were open to considering compromises as they are proposed, including convening a NATO working group to look at whether Russia could indeed penetrate Western military systems through the missile defense systems. A spokesman for Biden’s transition team declined to comment. The senior Turkish official also said that Biden’s advisers have made clear they will engage with Turkey through traditional and technical diplomatic channels — and not rely on the kind of spontaneous and direct lines of communication that marked the relationship between Trump and Erdogan. That was welcome news to the Turks, the senior official said.

US takes tougher tone with Turkey as Trump exits

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country would not “bow down to threats and blackmail" in his disputes with Greece. This comes as European Union foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss the issue of sanctions over the dispute.

Prez Erdogan says, Turkey will not bow to threats

Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday described President Emmanuel Macron as a 'burden' on France and said that he hopes the country will soon get rid of him.

Hope France gets rid of Macron 'burden' soon, says Erdogan

France is investigating 76 mosques that could pose a threat to national security. As the crackdown gets underway, French Muslims have raised fears of alienation. Molly Gambhir gets you both sides of the story.

Gravitas: France begins crackdown on extremism

European Leaders will meet next week to discuss a range of issues. A proposal to sanction Turkey could come up for discussion. Reportedly, France is leading a push for EU sanctions against Turkey. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: France pushes for sanctions against Turkey at the European Union

Turkey's President Recep Erdogan has fueled religious hatred, questioned Macron's mental health, and provoked European countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Will the E.U. get back at Turkey? Molly Gambhir makes a case.

Gravitas: Will the E.U. sanction Turkey?

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack. The killing has resulted in tension in the region. Iran has accused Israel for the killing.

"We regret the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh following an armed attack. We condemn this heinous murder and offer our condolences to the Iranian government and the dead man's relatives," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The statement further said that Turkey was against all forms of terrorism irrespective of who the perpetrators were.

"Turkey is against all initiatives aimed at disrupting peace in the region and against all forms of terrorism, no matter who their perpetrator or target are."

Ankara also urged "all parties to act with common sense and restraint".

Fakhrizadeh, 59, was killed on Friday in a car bomb and gun attack against his own vehicle, the Iranian defence ministry said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assassination-in-iran-could-limit-bidens-options-was-that-the-goal-346211">Assassination in Iran could limit Biden’s options. Was that the goal?</a> 
 
The ministry said that Fakhrizadeh was head of its research and innovation department.

Turkey and Iran are regional powers with a history of complex relations.

While they often line up on opposing sides, recent years have seen them build up cooperation in some areas like energy.

Both are fierce opponents of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack.

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack. The killing has resulted in tension in the region. Iran has accused Israel for the killing. "We regret the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh following an armed attack. We condemn this heinous murder and offer our condolences to the Iranian government and the dead man's relatives," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement further said that Turkey was against all forms of terrorism irrespective of who the perpetrators were. "Turkey is against all initiatives aimed at disrupting peace in the region and against all forms of terrorism, no matter who their perpetrator or target are." Ankara also urged "all parties to act with common sense and restraint". Fakhrizadeh, 59, was killed on Friday in a car bomb and gun attack against his own vehicle, the Iranian defence ministry said. Also Read | Assassination in Iran could limit Biden’s options. Was that the goal? The ministry said that Fakhrizadeh was head of its research and innovation department. Turkey and Iran are regional powers with a history of complex relations. While they often line up on opposing sides, recent years have seen them build up cooperation in some areas like energy. Both are fierce opponents of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Turkey condemns Iranian scientist killing as act of terrorism

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that his country, an official candidate for European Union membership, sees itself as an inseparable part of Europe but will not give in to attacks and double standards.

Erdogan says Turkey sees itself a part of Europe

After stoking the rage of extremists against Europe, Erdogan has made a U-turn. The Turkish President is insisting that #Turkey is part of Europe & wants to resolve problems through dialogue.

Gravitas: Erdogan's new-found love for Europe

Turkish President&nbsp;Recep&nbsp;Tayyip Erdogan's&nbsp;outreach to his country's diaspora&nbsp;is inflaming tensions with Europe.

From stoking the rage of extremists to justifying violence in the name of terror, Erdogan has been lambasted by European leaders for several reasons.

However, now Erdogan has taken a u-turn and decided to play the victim card. He said on Sunday that his country, an official candidate for European Union membership, sees itself as an inseparable part of Europe but will not give in to attacks and double standards.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-accuses-turkey-of-obstructing-libya-peace-344921" hreflang="en">Germany accuses Turkey of obstructing Libya peace</a>

At one point Turkey had pursued a track towards EU membership, but it encountered opposition from several EU members and has pulled back under&nbsp;Erdogan's leadership.

But on Saturday he said: "We don't see ourselves elsewhere but in Europe. We envisage building our future together with Europe."

Turkey has no problem with any country or institution "that cannot be resolved through politics, diplomacy or dialogue," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

Erdogan's message comes as EU leaders are to decide at a December summit whether to impose further sanctions in response to recent Turkish activity.

Its exploration ship Oruc Reis remains at the centre of tensions with Brussels and on Saturday, Ankara extended its mission until November 29, despite protests from Athens.

A Greek foreign ministry statement denounced the move as "illegal conduct, which further undermines any prospect for a constructive dialogue.&nbsp;

"These actions, which essentially cancel any prospect for improving EU-Turkey relations, are taking place, while Turkish officials state that their country's accession to the EU is a 'strategic priority,'" the ministry said.&nbsp;

Turkey's drilling activities in a disputed part of the eastern Mediterranean have raised tensions with the EU as Turkey locked in a dispute with and Greece and Cyprus over the extent of their continental shelves and hydrocarbon resources.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said this month that Turkey's rhetoric on Cyprus was aggravating tensions with the EU and Ankara had to understand that its behaviour was "widening its separation" from the bloc.

The EU will discuss Turkey's pursuit of natural gas exploration in contested waters in the eastern Mediterranean at their next summit in December, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.

"We do not believe that we have any problems with countries or institutions that cannot be solved through politics, dialogue and negotiations,"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said.

Erdogan, connected to the event through videolink, said that the EU should keep its promises regarding the migrants issue and making Turkey a full member of the bloc. He was referring to a 2016 deal under which Ankara curbed migrant entries into Europe in exchange for financial help and visa-free travel in the Schengen region.

Turkey recently extended the seismic survey work being carried out by its Oruc Reis ship in a disputed part of the eastern Mediterranean until Nov. 29, according to a naval notice.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's outreach to his country's diaspora is inflaming tensions with Europe. From stoking the rage of extremists to justifying violence in the name of terror, Erdogan has been lambasted by European leaders for several reasons.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's outreach to his country's diaspora is inflaming tensions with Europe. From stoking the rage of extremists to justifying violence in the name of terror, Erdogan has been lambasted by European leaders for several reasons. However, now Erdogan has taken a u-turn and decided to play the victim card. He said on Sunday that his country, an official candidate for European Union membership, sees itself as an inseparable part of Europe but will not give in to attacks and double standards. Also read: Germany accuses Turkey of obstructing Libya peace At one point Turkey had pursued a track towards EU membership, but it encountered opposition from several EU members and has pulled back under Erdogan's leadership. But on Saturday he said: "We don't see ourselves elsewhere but in Europe. We envisage building our future together with Europe." Turkey has no problem with any country or institution "that cannot be resolved through politics, diplomacy or dialogue," he added. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea Erdogan's message comes as EU leaders are to decide at a December summit whether to impose further sanctions in response to recent Turkish activity. Its exploration ship Oruc Reis remains at the centre of tensions with Brussels and on Saturday, Ankara extended its mission until November 29, despite protests from Athens. A Greek foreign ministry statement denounced the move as "illegal conduct, which further undermines any prospect for a constructive dialogue. "These actions, which essentially cancel any prospect for improving EU-Turkey relations, are taking place, while Turkish officials state that their country's accession to the EU is a 'strategic priority,'" the ministry said. Turkey's drilling activities in a disputed part of the eastern Mediterranean have raised tensions with the EU as Turkey locked in a dispute with and Greece and Cyprus over the extent of their continental shelves and hydrocarbon resources. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said this month that Turkey's rhetoric on Cyprus was aggravating tensions with the EU and Ankara had to understand that its behaviour was "widening its separation" from the bloc. The EU will discuss Turkey's pursuit of natural gas exploration in contested waters in the eastern Mediterranean at their next summit in December, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday. "We do not believe that we have any problems with countries or institutions that cannot be solved through politics, dialogue and negotiations," Erdogan said. Erdogan, connected to the event through videolink, said that the EU should keep its promises regarding the migrants issue and making Turkey a full member of the bloc. He was referring to a 2016 deal under which Ankara curbed migrant entries into Europe in exchange for financial help and visa-free travel in the Schengen region. Turkey recently extended the seismic survey work being carried out by its Oruc Reis ship in a disputed part of the eastern Mediterranean until Nov. 29, according to a naval notice.

Turkey's outreach to Europe is inflaming tensions

Germany on Monday accused Turkey of&nbsp;obstructing peace in&nbsp;Libya after it prevented German forces belonging to a European Union military mission carrying out a full search of a Turkish cargo ship that they suspected of taking weapons to Libya.

Soldiers from the frigate Hamburg boarded the Turkish freighter, the Rosaline A, overnight, but had to abandon checks and withdraw after Turkey protested to the EU mission, the German defence ministry said.

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In picture:&nbsp;German Navy armed personnel stand in front of the Frigate Hamburg, docked at Port Rashid/REUTERS

The frigate was operating in the Mediterranean as part of the EU's Irini mission, which aims to stop arms reaching the warring factions in Libya.

"By the time the soldiers left the ship, they had not found anything suspicious," a German defence ministry spokesman said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

European states involved in efforts to end the conflict in Libya on Monday threatened sanctions against any parties or countries (Turkey)&nbsp;that harm the fragile peace process.

Britain, France, Germany and Italy in a joint statement urged "all Libyan and international parties to refrain from any parallel and uncoordinated initiative" that risked undermining the UN-led efforts.&nbsp;

Their statement said they were "ready to take measures against those who obstruct" the process, plunder state funds or commit rights abuses.&nbsp;

It did not name other states but Europe has in the past accused both Russia and&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;of interfering in Libya.

Moscow has been accused of backing mercenaries fighting the UN-backed Tripoli Government of National Accord (GNA) while&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has deployed its military as well as drones to back the GNA.

The four European countries said they welcomed the roadmap agreed by the Libyan parties to pave the way to national elections scheduled for December 24 following an October ceasefire deal.

"This is an important step to restore Libya's sovereignty and the democratic legitimacy of its institutions," the statement said.

It said that the four countries shared the opposition of Libyans "to all foreign interference, and support their willingness to come together in peaceful and patriotic dialogue".

French President Emmanuel Macron has been a particularly vocal critic of&nbsp;Turkey's role in the Libya conflict, accusing it of seeking new influence in the eastern Mediterranean, in one of a number of issues that have triggered grave tensions between Paris and Ankara.

Last month's ceasefire formally ended fighting between forces of the Ankara-backed GNA and those of eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, who was long favoured by Russia.

The ceasefire aims to end years of conflict following the 2011 killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Stephanie Williams, UN acting special envoy for Libya, said last week that rival forces in Libya had failed to begin withdrawing as required under an October ceasefire agreement.

Germany on Monday accused Turkey of obstructing peace in Libya after it prevented German forces belonging to a European Union military mission carrying out a full search of a Turkish cargo ship that they suspected of taking weapons to Libya.

Germany on Monday accused Turkey of obstructing peace in Libya after it prevented German forces belonging to a European Union military mission carrying out a full search of a Turkish cargo ship that they suspected of taking weapons to Libya. Soldiers from the frigate Hamburg boarded the Turkish freighter, the Rosaline A, overnight, but had to abandon checks and withdraw after Turkey protested to the EU mission, the German defence ministry said. In picture: German Navy armed personnel stand in front of the Frigate Hamburg, docked at Port Rashid/REUTERS The frigate was operating in the Mediterranean as part of the EU's Irini mission, which aims to stop arms reaching the warring factions in Libya. "By the time the soldiers left the ship, they had not found anything suspicious," a German defence ministry spokesman said. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea European states involved in efforts to end the conflict in Libya on Monday threatened sanctions against any parties or countries (Turkey) that harm the fragile peace process. Britain, France, Germany and Italy in a joint statement urged "all Libyan and international parties to refrain from any parallel and uncoordinated initiative" that risked undermining the UN-led efforts. Their statement said they were "ready to take measures against those who obstruct" the process, plunder state funds or commit rights abuses. It did not name other states but Europe has in the past accused both Russia and Turkey of interfering in Libya. Moscow has been accused of backing mercenaries fighting the UN-backed Tripoli Government of National Accord (GNA) while Turkey has deployed its military as well as drones to back the GNA. The four European countries said they welcomed the roadmap agreed by the Libyan parties to pave the way to national elections scheduled for December 24 following an October ceasefire deal. "This is an important step to restore Libya's sovereignty and the democratic legitimacy of its institutions," the statement said. It said that the four countries shared the opposition of Libyans "to all foreign interference, and support their willingness to come together in peaceful and patriotic dialogue". French President Emmanuel Macron has been a particularly vocal critic of Turkey's role in the Libya conflict, accusing it of seeking new influence in the eastern Mediterranean, in one of a number of issues that have triggered grave tensions between Paris and Ankara. Last month's ceasefire formally ended fighting between forces of the Ankara-backed GNA and those of eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, who was long favoured by Russia. The ceasefire aims to end years of conflict following the 2011 killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Stephanie Williams, UN acting special envoy for Libya, said last week that rival forces in Libya had failed to begin withdrawing as required under an October ceasefire agreement.

Germany accuses Turkey of obstructing Libya peace

President Emmanuel Macron on&nbsp;Friday accused Turkey and Russia of seeking to promote anti-French sentiment in Africa by funding people who whip up resentment against France through the media.

"We must not be naive on this subject: many of those who speak, who make videos, who are present in the French-speaking media are funded by Russia or Turkey," he told Jeune Afrique magazine, accusing Moscow and Ankara of seeking "to play on post-colonial resentment" in Africa.

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Macron's latest statement comes amid&nbsp;increasing conflict with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who had asked him for getting&nbsp;''mental health check-ups'' due to his stance on the cartoons of Prophet Mohammad.
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France wants international supervision to implement a ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict amid concerns in Paris that Russia and Turkey could strike a deal to cut out Western powers from future peace talks, the presidency said on Thursday.

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Macron ruled out negotiating with jihadist groups in the Sahel region of Africa, where France has a thousands-strong force deployed, in an interview published Friday.

"We don't talk with terrorists. We fight," Macron told the Jeune Afrique magazine, as debates intensify in France and Africa over the long-term strategy of the Barkhane force.

In a wide-ranging interview, he also accused Guinea's President Alpha Conde of organising a referendum on constitutional changes "solely to be able to keep power", adding that the situation in the country was "serious" following post-election unrest.

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday accused Turkey and Russia of seeking to promote anti-French sentiment in Africa by funding people who whip up resentment against France through the media.

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday accused Turkey and Russia of seeking to promote anti-French sentiment in Africa by funding people who whip up resentment against France through the media. "We must not be naive on this subject: many of those who speak, who make videos, who are present in the French-speaking media are funded by Russia or Turkey," he told Jeune Afrique magazine, accusing Moscow and Ankara of seeking "to play on post-colonial resentment" in Africa. × Macron's latest statement comes amid increasing conflict with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who had asked him for getting ''mental health check-ups'' due to his stance on the cartoons of Prophet Mohammad. France wants international supervision to implement a ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict amid concerns in Paris that Russia and Turkey could strike a deal to cut out Western powers from future peace talks, the presidency said on Thursday. Macron ruled out negotiating with jihadist groups in the Sahel region of Africa, where France has a thousands-strong force deployed, in an interview published Friday. "We don't talk with terrorists. We fight," Macron told the Jeune Afrique magazine, as debates intensify in France and Africa over the long-term strategy of the Barkhane force. In a wide-ranging interview, he also accused Guinea's President Alpha Conde of organising a referendum on constitutional changes "solely to be able to keep power", adding that the situation in the country was "serious" following post-election unrest.

Turkey and Russia promoting anti-France sentiment, says Emmanuel Macron

Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 101 people including lawyers in a wide-scale operation aimed at outlawed Kurdish militants, a judicial source said on Friday.&nbsp;

Police conducted simultaneous raids in Diyarbakir, in the Kurdish-majority southeast, Istanbul, Izmir and Adiyaman as part of an investigation into the Democratic Society Congress (DTK).

The group is accused of links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-mps-urge-review-of-turkish-ultra-nationalist-grey-wolves-344048">Also read|&nbsp;German MPs urge review of Turkish ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves</a>

Turkey and its Western allies designate the PKK a terror group. It has waged an insurgency against the state since 1984 which is believed to have killed tens of thousands.&nbsp;

Police rounded up at least 72 suspects, including 24 lawyers, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

Four others could not detained as they had tested positive for the coronavirus, the source said.

The Diyarbakir bar association condemned the latest arrests, which targeted 17 of its members.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-sparks-turkish-fury-with-plans-to-ban-grey-wolves-nationalist-group-340017">France sparks Turkish fury with plans to ban ‘Grey Wolves’ nationalist group</a>

"The Diyarbakir bar has never bowed to the threat of detentions and arrests and will never do so," it said in a statement on Twitter.&nbsp;

"These operations indicate a desire to stifle the voice of the Diyarbakir bar and is a direct intervention in the activities of the civil society."

The opposition pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has also been on the radar of Turkish authorities for its alleged links to the PKK and dozens of its mayors -- elected in the 2019 local elections -- have been ousted.&nbsp;

The HDP is Turkey's second-largest opposition group in the parliament.

Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 101 people including lawyers in a wide-scale operation aimed at outlawed Kurdish militants, a judicial source said on Friday.

Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 101 people including lawyers in a wide-scale operation aimed at outlawed Kurdish militants, a judicial source said on Friday. Police conducted simultaneous raids in Diyarbakir, in the Kurdish-majority southeast, Istanbul, Izmir and Adiyaman as part of an investigation into the Democratic Society Congress (DTK). The group is accused of links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Also read| German MPs urge review of Turkish ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves Turkey and its Western allies designate the PKK a terror group. It has waged an insurgency against the state since 1984 which is believed to have killed tens of thousands. Police rounded up at least 72 suspects, including 24 lawyers, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. Four others could not detained as they had tested positive for the coronavirus, the source said. The Diyarbakir bar association condemned the latest arrests, which targeted 17 of its members. Also read| France sparks Turkish fury with plans to ban ‘Grey Wolves’ nationalist group "The Diyarbakir bar has never bowed to the threat of detentions and arrests and will never do so," it said in a statement on Twitter. "These operations indicate a desire to stifle the voice of the Diyarbakir bar and is a direct intervention in the activities of the civil society." The opposition pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has also been on the radar of Turkish authorities for its alleged links to the PKK and dozens of its mayors -- elected in the 2019 local elections -- have been ousted. The HDP is Turkey's second-largest opposition group in the parliament.

Turkey orders arrest of 101 over alleged PKK links

German lawmakers on Wednesday called on the government to consider banning a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves, shortly after France said it would outlaw the group.

MPs in the lower house accused the Grey Wolves, seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of harbouring a "nationalist and racist ideology".

The MPs backed a motion asking the government to "monitor closely the activities of the movement in Germany and to counter them resolutely by means of our rule of law".

There are around 11,000 Turkish right-wing extremists in Germany, the motion said.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-sparks-turkish-fury-with-plans-to-ban-grey-wolves-nationalist-group-340017">France sparks Turkish fury with plans to ban ‘Grey Wolves’ nationalist group</a>

France announced in early November that it would ban the Grey Wolves after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced with graffiti including the name of the group.

The incident came against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has a political alliance with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

German lawmakers on Wednesday called on the government to consider banning a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves, shortly after France said it would outlaw the group.

German lawmakers on Wednesday called on the government to consider banning a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves, shortly after France said it would outlaw the group. MPs in the lower house accused the Grey Wolves, seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of harbouring a "nationalist and racist ideology". The MPs backed a motion asking the government to "monitor closely the activities of the movement in Germany and to counter them resolutely by means of our rule of law". There are around 11,000 Turkish right-wing extremists in Germany, the motion said. Also read| France sparks Turkish fury with plans to ban ‘Grey Wolves’ nationalist group France announced in early November that it would ban the Grey Wolves after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced with graffiti including the name of the group. The incident came against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has a political alliance with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

German MPs urge review of Turkish ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves

As the rift between France and Muslim countries has widened, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella has called for strict sanctions against Turkey and Pakistan in order to make "European solidarity tangible".

Concerned over terrorism emanating from these countries Bardella demanded "real financial or trade sanctions" against Ankara, Islamabad, Kuwait city and Doha.

France in last one month has witnessed several terror attacks after Charlie Hebdo announced the republishing of a controversial caricature of Prophet Muhammed and French President Emmanuel Macron refused to criticise it in early October.

Protests erupted in Muslims countries over the incident. Social media users in many Muslim countries joined calls to boycott French goods.

On October 16, a terrorist beheaded a secondary school teacher Samuel Paty who used controversial cartoons published by Charlie Hebdo in his classes. On the morning of October 30, another terrorist attack occurred when a man stabbed three people to death and wounded several others in a church in Nice.

On November 2, an Islamist terrorist went on a deadly rampage in Vienna shooting dead four people and injuring more than 20 others in the city centre before he was killed by police.

"Ongoing tragedy and terrorism continues on European soil and Europe struggles to find a common solution to the constant killings of innocent victims at the hand of the terrorists and extremists," the European Chronicle reported.

In light of this, on 28 October 2020, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella posed a parliamentary question to the European Commission. Following his own statement "over and beyond feeble statements concerning the Turkish President's 'unacceptable' comments," MEP Bardella requested to know if the Commission is "planning to adopt any real financial or trade sanctions against countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait and Qatar, in order to reassert our common values and make European solidarity tangible?"Over recent months and weeks, European parliamentarians have raised increasing concerns regarding terrorism and extremism emanating from countries like Turkey and Pakistan.

The European Commission is expected to answer the questions of MEP Bardella in the coming weeks.

French Member of European Parliament (MEP) Nicolas Bay has also asked the European Union (EU) to stop "showering" Ankara and Islamabad with subsidies and customs facilities and instead put sanctions against them.

"During the European Parliamentary plenary of November 11, French MEP Nicolas Bay from the Identity and Democracy Group had strong words against European aid to Pakistan and Turkey in light of threats coming from both countries. MEP Bay's comments were made in the context of a debate on the 'fight against terrorism, freedom of expression and education'," a press statement read.

Speaking to the European Commissioner Ylva Johansson responsible for Home Affairs, Nicolas Bay was critical of the support being given by the European Commission to the countries of concern.

"You are showering countries like Pakistan and Turkey with subsidies and customs facilities. We want to sanction them!"Linking terrorism threats to migration, MEP Bay gave the stark warning that the latest terrorist attacks in Paris had all been committed by migrants arriving in Europe.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the rift between France and Muslim countries has widened, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella has called for strict sanctions against Turkey and Pakistan in order to make "European solidarity tangible".

As the rift between France and Muslim countries has widened, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella has called for strict sanctions against Turkey and Pakistan in order to make "European solidarity tangible". Concerned over terrorism emanating from these countries Bardella demanded "real financial or trade sanctions" against Ankara, Islamabad, Kuwait city and Doha. France in last one month has witnessed several terror attacks after Charlie Hebdo announced the republishing of a controversial caricature of Prophet Muhammed and French President Emmanuel Macron refused to criticise it in early October. Protests erupted in Muslims countries over the incident. Social media users in many Muslim countries joined calls to boycott French goods. On October 16, a terrorist beheaded a secondary school teacher Samuel Paty who used controversial cartoons published by Charlie Hebdo in his classes. On the morning of October 30, another terrorist attack occurred when a man stabbed three people to death and wounded several others in a church in Nice. On November 2, an Islamist terrorist went on a deadly rampage in Vienna shooting dead four people and injuring more than 20 others in the city centre before he was killed by police. "Ongoing tragedy and terrorism continues on European soil and Europe struggles to find a common solution to the constant killings of innocent victims at the hand of the terrorists and extremists," the European Chronicle reported. In light of this, on 28 October 2020, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella posed a parliamentary question to the European Commission. Following his own statement "over and beyond feeble statements concerning the Turkish President's 'unacceptable' comments," MEP Bardella requested to know if the Commission is "planning to adopt any real financial or trade sanctions against countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait and Qatar, in order to reassert our common values and make European solidarity tangible?"Over recent months and weeks, European parliamentarians have raised increasing concerns regarding terrorism and extremism emanating from countries like Turkey and Pakistan. The European Commission is expected to answer the questions of MEP Bardella in the coming weeks. French Member of European Parliament (MEP) Nicolas Bay has also asked the European Union (EU) to stop "showering" Ankara and Islamabad with subsidies and customs facilities and instead put sanctions against them. "During the European Parliamentary plenary of November 11, French MEP Nicolas Bay from the Identity and Democracy Group had strong words against European aid to Pakistan and Turkey in light of threats coming from both countries. MEP Bay's comments were made in the context of a debate on the 'fight against terrorism, freedom of expression and education'," a press statement read. Speaking to the European Commissioner Ylva Johansson responsible for Home Affairs, Nicolas Bay was critical of the support being given by the European Commission to the countries of concern. "You are showering countries like Pakistan and Turkey with subsidies and customs facilities. We want to sanction them!"Linking terrorism threats to migration, MEP Bay gave the stark warning that the latest terrorist attacks in Paris had all been committed by migrants arriving in Europe. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid rising terror attacks, Member of European Parliament demands sanctions on Pakistan, Turkey

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